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MOUNT KISCO -- Members of the Mount Kisco Volunteer Fire Department's FAST Team, who provided mutual aid at a Bedford fire on March 15 and helped to save several of their brethren who were trapped, were honored for their service at the village Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, April 21.

Mayor Michael Cindrich, who called FAST the team that “firefighters call when they dial 911,” recapped the unit's role. The team was among those giving assistance to a structure fire at 27 Bisbee Lane, providing support to the Bedford Hills Fire Department, which was dispatched early in the morning. Additionally, a Mount Kisco fire engine was relocated to the Bedford Hills fire headquarters.

Cindrich then described how radio transmissions subsequently went out due to a collapse in the building's rear corner. This collapse resulted in firefighters being trapped. The mayor then described the team's response and noted that the trapped firefighters were removed safely.

The FAST Team firefighters were honored with certificates and citations, including from the village, the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the state Assembly. County Legislator Peter Harckham and state Assemblyman David Buchwald, whose districts include Mount Kisco, were on hand for the honors.

In his remarks, Harckham said they went in “against all odds” for the fellow firefighters. Buchwald, speaking about the state honor, said it was with “great gratitude” on behalf of the people of Mount Kisco and all of Westchester.

The FAST team firefighters were honored following the swearing-in of fire department chief and assistant chiefs, along with a commendation to former Fire Commissioner Lanson Hyatt. The packed assembly room included about three dozen firefighters.